Our Story
A Family Built
on Sweetness
Award-winning · Black Woman-Owned · Harrisonburg, VA
Our Story
Award-winning · Black Woman-Owned · Harrisonburg, VA
Where It All Began
Branch's Soft Serve Ice Cream Truck is a black woman-owned family business rooted in the heart of Harrisonburg, Virginia. Founded by Tommie and Janice Branch, the business grew from a simple love of bringing joy to their community — one scoop at a time.
Tommie and Janice built the truck together, and their three children, Chantel, Tommie Jr., and Cedric, grew up working alongside them. Today, the whole family keeps the tradition alive — serving neighbors, students, families, and visitors from their iconic orange truck parked at 54 S. Main Street in downtown Harrisonburg.
What started as a neighborhood dessert stop has grown into an award-winning Harrisonburg institution — featured in local news, celebrated by the community, and beloved by thousands of loyal customers who return season after season for the soft serve, milkshakes, and legendary brownie sundaes. Over the years, Branch's has served over 1,000 events, including corporate events for industry leaders like Walmart, Target, Reynolds, Merck, Hershey, Danone, Skyline Dental Arts, and Weiler Orthodontist & Invisalign.
"We are a family business and we love families. We want everybody to have fun, eating our ice cream."— The Branch Family
What Drives Us
Branch's was built for Harrisonburg. From school fundraisers to neighborhood block parties, we show up for the people who show up for us.
We never cut corners. Every milkshake is hand-churned, every brownie is baked fresh, and every sundae is assembled with care and pride.
This business is run by a family, for families. We treat every customer like a neighbor — because in Harrisonburg, they are.
Recognized as the best ice cream in Harrisonburg, we take pride in the awards and reviews that reflect our dedication to the craft.
We believe ice cream is more than food — it's a moment of happiness. Our goal is to make every customer leave with a smile.
As a Black woman-owned business, we are proud to represent and uplift our community — proving that small businesses can make a big impact.
Our Journey
Tommie and Janice Branch launch their soft serve ice cream truck in Harrisonburg, VA — starting out in the University Outpost Bookstore parking lot, bringing hand-crafted soft serve, sundaes, and smiles to the community for the very first time.
Branch's grows and moves to the Valley Mall — first opening an ice cream shop inside the mall, then parking the ice cream truck right outside next to Old Navy's, bringing their signature flavors to an even wider audience.
After the Valley Mall, Branch's continues to serve the community by parking at various locations across Harrisonburg — staying connected to their loyal customers no matter where the truck was parked.
Branch's expands its menu to include over 52 hand-churned milkshake flavors — from classic vanilla and chocolate to exotic combinations like Pineapple Coconut and Black Raspberry. The King Milkshake becomes a local legend.
Branch's crosses the milestone of 1,000+ events served, bringing their signature soft serve to corporate leaders including Walmart, Target, Reynolds, Merck, Hershey, Danone, Skyline Dental Arts, and Weiler Orthodontist & Invisalign — alongside hundreds of weddings, school fundraisers, festivals, and community celebrations across the Shenandoah Valley.
In 2019, after serving Harrisonburg from various locations, Branch's found their home downtown at 54 S. Main Street — right in the heart of the city, continuing to serve the community with the same love, quality, and joy that started it all.
When COVID-19 hit, Branch's made the difficult decision to shut down the ice cream truck to keep customers, staff, and the community safe. The health and well-being of Harrisonburg always comes first.
After a challenging period, Branch's reopens to overwhelming community support — featured on WHSV News and celebrated across Harrisonburg. The family's resilience inspires the community.
Branch's is spotlighted as a Harrisonburg landmark — the stationary ice cream truck that became a downtown institution, drawing families and visitors from across the Shenandoah Valley.
When the twist soft serve machine breaks down, the Harrisonburg community rallies behind Branch's — donating to the GoFundMe campaign and proving just how deeply the truck is woven into the fabric of the city.
Recognition
Voted the #1 ice cream destination in Harrisonburg, VA by local residents and visitors alike.
Consistently rated 4.6 stars on Google with hundreds of glowing reviews from loyal customers.
A perfect 5-star rating on TripAdvisor — one of the top-rated dessert destinations in the region.
Spotlighted by WHSV News and the Daily News Record as a beloved Harrisonburg community business.
Proudly recognized as a Black woman-owned business — a pillar of diversity and entrepreneurship in the Shenandoah Valley.
Listed as a must-visit destination on the official Visit Harrisonburg VA tourism platform.
Best Dessert Item — awarded at the Grove's Harley-Davidson Food Truck Rally, recognizing Branch's as the top dessert vendor.
Giving Back
Branch's isn't just a business — it's a community institution. From serving JMU and Mary Baldwin University events to supporting Broadway High School, Rocktown High School, and East Rockingham High School, Branch's shows up wherever Harrisonburg gathers.
Through the Ice Cream Fundraiser Program, Branch's donates 10% of sales to schools and organizations — helping PTAs, sports teams, and nonprofits raise money while bringing joy to their communities.
"Branch's Soft Serve Ice Cream Truck has always been about one thing: bringing smiles to our community."
— Chantel BranchVisit us at 54 S. Main St, Harrisonburg, VA — or book us for your next event.